Cast Iron FAT Paint

The FAT Paint Company makes chalk-style paint that goes on smooth, distresses easily, and finishes with flair. Developed by an artisanal brother-sister duo, FAT Paint transforms old furniture, frames, bowls, jars, and anything at all really into enviable works of upcycled art.

Step 1: The “Once Over”When starting on a FAT Paint project we like to give the piece a “once over”, or a simple wipe with a sanding sponge: corner to corner, all sides, under and over. Go with your instinct. FAT Paint has great adhesion and holds to most surfaces like wood, glass, metal and fabric. Even so, there are some surfaces that need a bit of help. If you’re not sure of the piece you’re working on we recommend you paint a test patch. Simply apply FAT Paint to a section, let it dry and then give it a scratch with your fingernail. If the paint peels, you’ll definitely need to give the piece a heavy sand or apply a quality adhesion primer.

Step 2: CleanBefore giving your piece some FAT love, clean all surfaces with a wipe – or maybe a good scrub – of warm water and dish soap or a homemade vinegar wash. If the project is particularly grimy, a heavy duty paint-prep cleaner may be required. Finish with a water-wipe and you’re ready to get FAT.

Step 3: FAT’n it upApply a coat of FAT Paint, start with a good quality brush! You could also use a low-nap or velour roller. Ditch the foam roller – it’s not our favourite. Apply layer by layer – with 20 minutes(ish) in between coats. We suggest 2 coats as a minimum but you be the judge. Afterall, this is your project. Be as creative as you want!

Step 4: Sand itNow the fun part – time to get creative with your FAT’ned piece. Use a sanding sponge or sandpaper and sand all surfaces with FAT Paint on them. The goal is a smooth-to-the-touch finish. If you’re looking to distress your piece, give it a little more bicep. Dust with a tack cloth. FAT Paint works wonderfully with a wet sand too.

Step 5: Seal itAdd a top coat so your craftsmanship lasts! Use a lint-free cloth or wax applicator brush to push naturally clear FAT Wax onto your masterpiece. Work in sections and rub it in like hand lotion. After 5 minutes, buff it! Then be patient – let the FAT Wax cure for at least 6 hours. Then buff it again for good measure. Consider taking your piece to the next level in distress with patina FAT Wax. Ask your retailer for application steps. A FAT Wax finish is perfect for most finishes, but sometimes you need that extra bit of durability. For table tops and other surfaces that will get a lot of use we recommend a quality clear coat.